Colleagues,
I am forwarding this e-mail from our Director of Admissions as the latest
in the Hobsons saga. I have forwarded to her the relevant responses from
dis-forum members, some of whom have obviously been "taken". I'm waiting
to hear from Sophie Corlett from SKILL when she returns next week but
meanwhile, we are certainly not advertising in this new publication and
will want detailed and explicit information before advertising again in
any of the Hobsons "extra" Casebooks, etc.. as the information we have
received from them is not consistent with what SKILL have told us. I think
the examples by some respondents comparing the cost of Hobsons advertising
with what could be bought for the direct benefit of students with
disabilities are particularly relevant.
Meanwhile, I would endorse Diana's exhortation to people to consider very
carefully before agreeing to anything offered by telesales people. If you
really do want to advertise with Hobsons, pass them on to your toughest
negotiators!
Leila
******************************************************************************
Leila Edwards Direct line: tel: 01225-826879
Dean of Students Internal ext: 6879
Fax: 01225-826709
Room 4W 3.4a External e-mail: [log in to unmask]
University of Bath Internal e-mail: adsle
BA2 7AY
Secretary/Diary: Kate Lewis tel: 01225-826826 ext: 4796
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 1997 19:23:00 +0100 (BST)
From: D L Driscoll <[log in to unmask]>
To: L Edwards <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: your mail
Dear Leila
The Hobson's plot thickens
I spoke with the top man !!! who suggested I had the wrong end of the
stick. I asked him to 'get professional' and send me and all the
universities and colleges a document which clearly states what the new
proposals for new magazines will contain. He should include a statement
stating why they will not have a free listing! Supposedly they had
discussions with SKILL already?? Who understand everything?? I also
understand that the CRAC staff are not pleased with how the London Hobsons
is selling itself. We are not dealing with Skill/ CRAC group we knew so
well, we are dealing with a new organisation who are positioning
themselves to be the voice of Education in the UK - the price is
escalating at an alarming rate. And I really cannot believe that without
this publication disabled students would never learn about us or any other
institution! OUr WWW is accessed regularly, we visit schools, fairs etc.
Perhaps SKILL should just publish a free listing of all institutions
address, email, WWW. Do students need a magazine?
I think you may wish to convey this info to your email subscribers.Hobsons
told me that 'students want more information about the facilities and
courses which the univ/college offer'. Well, if that is so then a small
ad will not give enough of that info. (He promptly offered me a
full page.) I also said that we were all in contact and there was great
concern about the Hobson's tactics. I mentioned that some decision would
be made by all of us next week. But at the moment he was taking
advertising space but not providing sufficient information. I find this
behaviour unacceptable and unethical. I do hope your friends are not
falling for this. I had the impression that many had already signed up
for what I don't know!! They should be warned:
You are the next target - don't answer the phone!
Diana
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